'Outside the field, we all should be good friends' - Shahid Afridi on his tussle with Gautam Gambhir

Pakistan former all-rounder Shahid Afridi is known for making news headlines by giving controversial statements on sensitive issues. The cricketer is outspoken and doesn’t shy away from stating his opinion on anything and everything. Though Afridi is subjected to a lot of hate and criticism for his stance on various topics, he continues to make such absurd statements on his social media.

Apart from giving his opinion on political issues, the cricketer often indulges in a verbal battle with the former Indian cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir. Recently, Afridi opined on his tussle with Gambhir, his stance on Kashmir issue and Pakistan’s rising superstar Babar Azam.

Few months back, the right-handed batsman received a lot of criticism for showing Indian government in a bad light for their decisions on Kashmir. When asked if he isn’t afraid of losing social media followers (like compatriot Shoaib Akhtar) by making such comments, Afridi told Cricket Pakistan that he believes in speaking the ‘truth’ in spite of the religion or country he is talking about.

“One should always speak the truth, no matter what happens. I believe humanity is above everything else which is why I don’t shy away from voicing my opinion, even if it involves India,” he said.

Babar Azam is the backbone of Pakistan team: Shahid Afridi

The 40-year-old is often involved in social media battles with the former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. The two don’t share a good camaraderie with each other and are at loggerheads. Shahid and Gautam had once indulged in an unpleasant verbal duel during 2007 Asia Cup in Kanpur after colliding with each other mid-wicket.

The situation became much worse as the on-field umpire Ian Gould had to intervene to separate the two warring players. Also, the players were fined 95% (Afridi) and 65% (Gambhir) of their match fees. When asked about the same incident, Afridi said that such incidents happen in cricket but they shouldn’t influence one’s daily life.

“Such things shouldn’t influence your daily life and outside the field, we should all be good friends,” he said.

The flamboyant all-rounder also opined on the famous Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate. Shahid said that Babar is the backbone of the Pakistan team and he should not be bothered about such comparisons.

“Babar Azam is the backbone of the Pakistan team and I don’t think he feels the pressure of being constantly compared with Virat Kohli. I’m hopeful that Babar will start winning matches for Pakistan single-handedly, soon.” Afridi added.